The fourth edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival was inaugurated at Dilli Haat in New Delhi on Friday, with the state government using the three-day event to enhance market access of pineapple farmers through new partnerships with organized retail and digital markets.
The festival, organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, was held from July 10 to 12, bringing together farmers, retailers, exporters, food manufacturers, institutional buyers and consumers.
The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for North Eastern Development and Communications Jyotiraditya M Scindia in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, senior government officials, industry representatives, exporters, retailers and farmer groups from across the state.
MoUs have been signed with Flipkart and NeML
One of the most prominent events of the opening was the signing of memorandums of understanding with Flipkart and the National Electronic Marketplace Services Company Limited (NeML). According to the organisers, the agreements aim to expand marketing and distribution channels for pineapple growers in Meghalaya while improving access to organized retail, institutional and digital market buyers across India.
The festival showcases premium quality Meghalaya pineapple, known for its rich aroma, low acidity and sweetness, with a Brix value of 16-18. The fruit is grown across the rain-fed hills and valleys of Ri Bhoi, Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, supporting thousands of farming families.
State center highlights agricultural transformation
Addressing the gathering, Scindia said, “Meghalaya is truly a jewel – a diamond and an emerald among the states and union territories of the country. The remarkable transformation that Meghalaya has witnessed under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma is a shining example of how visionary governance, community engagement and farmer-centric policies can together create sustainable economic growth. Today, the sweetness, rich aroma, low acidity and high Brix content of Meghalaya’s pineapples have earned them fame beyond the realm of Country and country, reaching premium markets around the world.
He also lauded initiatives including CM FARM+, MLAMP and Meghalaya State Organic Mission, saying the state is building globally competitive farmer-centric value chains.
“Our goal is simple – to ensure that every partnership we build and every market we open ultimately translates into higher incomes, stronger livelihoods and better opportunities for the people of Meghalaya,” Prime Minister Sangma said.
“Over the past four years, the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival has evolved from being a celebration of one of our most exquisite fruits to a platform that showcases the best of Meghalaya – our farmers, entrepreneurs, self-help groups, artisans, musicians and our vibrant culture. Each edition has been an effort to make the festival bigger, better and more impactful, and the overwhelming response from people across the country has encouraged us to continue raising the bar,” he added.
Exports and value addition enhance farmers’ income
During the event, the dignitaries released ‘Meghalaya Pineapple: A Journey of Four Editions’, documenting the growth of the festival since its launch in 2023. According to the release, fresh pineapple shipments sent to New Delhi have increased from 7.7 metric tons during the inaugural edition to over 15 metric tons in 2025.
The state said that more than 100 metric tons of pineapple were marketed and exported through organized local and international channels under initiatives led by the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board. In June 2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman issued a signal for a two-metric tonne shipment of Meghalaya pineapples to Lulu Retail in Dubai.
The government said value added through retail fresh trade, processed produce and export grade variants led to a significant increase in revenues, with associated farmers recording income gains of up to 80 per cent. The festival will continue until July 12, giving consumers and businesses the opportunity to interact directly with farmers and entrepreneurs in Meghalaya.
